Functionalization of glass fibers from plastic waste

Abstract

Mullite has achieved outstanding importance as a material for both traditional and advanced ceramics because of its favourable thermal and mechanical properties. Mullite displays various Al to Si ratios referring to the solid solution Al4+2xSi2−2xO10−x, with x ranging between about 0.2 and 0.9 (about 55 to 90 mol% Al2O3) [1]. In this work, the functionalization of the recycled glass fibers (obtained from the glycolysis process) with mullite crystals and its introduction into the precursor composition of the ceramic substrate was proposed. Mullite were first prepared by sol-gel method using colloidal silica and AlCl3·6H2O in water system. The gel mullite precursor was fired in the range 1000-1300ºC soaking times 30–300 min. The resultant materials were studied by X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDX). On the other hand, the glass fibers were functionalizing through the previous mullite synthesized. Several porcelain stoneware tile compositions were prepared using high alumina clay, low alumina clay, kaolin, Turkish feldspar (Na), feldspar (Na/Mg), feldespathic sand and glass fiber functionalize. The resultant materials were studied by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDX) and compressive test. High mechanical resistance ceramic material (> 450 Kg/cm2) was obtained